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Brazil win Copa America, first since 2007

It is Brazil's first win in Copa America since 2007

Players of Brazil celebrate after winning the Copa America after defeating Peru 3-1 in the final match of the football tournament at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 7, 2019 | AFP

Despite dismissal of Gabriel Jesus during the match, Brazil won the Copa America on home soil for the first time since 2007 with a 3-1 victory over Peru.

Jesus scored the decisive goal after a penalty from Peru captain Paolo Guerrero canceled out Everton's opener for hosts Brazil at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium. A last minute penalty from substitute Richarlison sealed a win for Brazil which handed the South American giants their ninth Copa triumph. "I gave everything I had today," said Everton, who was voted player of the final and also finished as one of the tournament's top scorers with three goals.

Jesus's evening went sour 20 minutes from time as he was sent off for a second booking. The Manchester City striker was in tears as he left the field, making obscene hand gestures, angrily kicking a water bottle and almost knocking over the VAR booth.

Brazil's players rallied after the dismissal, however, to claim a battling victory. "It's really special because we built something together," enthused captain Dani Alves.

Earlier, underdogs Peru made a confident start and didn't appear overawed by either their opponents or the occasion. But it quickly became apparent that they were up against more accomplished players. "It was a game in which they took advantage of our mistakes and turned them all into goals," said Peru's Edison Flores.

(With agency inputs) 

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